Airflow Sensing and Vortex Tracking for Close Formation Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Close formation flight is challenging due to difficulties in maintaining accurate relative positions between aircraft, especially with the unpredictable movement of wingtip vortices affected by winds and drift, leading to collision risks and inefficiencies in aerodynamic benefits.
Innovation Solution
The development of advanced adaptive flight control systems that utilize sensors to collect and analyze airflow data, create computer models of 3D airflow patterns, and adjust aircraft positions based on real-time vortex tracking to maintain optimal formation and maximize aerodynamic benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If aircraft fly in close formation to reduce drag and increase lift, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the risk of collision increases due to unpredictable vortex movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based vortex tracking system where sensors continuously monitor the position of wingtip vortices relative to the follower aircraft. The flight control system uses this real-time feedback information to dynamically adjust the follower aircraft's position, maintaining optimal aerodynamic benefits while avoiding collision with the moving vortices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual pilot control with an automated flight control system that uses sensor data and computer algorithms to track vortices and adjust aircraft position. This substitution of mechanical/pilot control with an automated system enables precise, real-time responses to vortex movement that would be difficult for human pilots to achieve consistently.
2Ease of operation
If pilots or autopilots manually control aircraft in close formation, then formation flight is possible, but maintaining accurate relative positions becomes extremely difficult over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pilot control with an automated flight control system that uses sensor data and computer algorithms to track vortices and adjust aircraft position. This substitution of mechanical/pilot control with an automated system enables precise, real-time responses to vortex movement that would be difficult for human pilots to achieve consistently.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight control system continuously monitors its own performance and automatically adjusts aircraft position based on real-time vortex tracking data. The system serves itself by autonomously maintaining optimal formation positions without requiring continuous external intervention or manual adjustment.
3Reliability
If conventional autopilot systems avoid wake turbulence areas, then aircraft safety is improved, but close formation flight capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic vortex tracking system that continuously adapts to changing vortex positions caused by wind and drift. The flight control system dynamically adjusts the follower aircraft's position in real-time, allowing the aircraft to operate safely within previously avoided wake turbulence zones by actively tracking and responding to vortex movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback-based vortex tracking system where sensors continuously monitor the position of wingtip vortices relative to the follower aircraft. The flight control system uses this real-time feedback information to dynamically adjust the follower aircraft's position, maintaining optimal aerodynamic benefits while avoiding collision with the moving vortices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and accurate close formation flight by precisely tracking and adjusting to wingtip vortices, reducing collision risks and enhancing aerodynamic performance, such as reduced drag and increased lift, thereby improving fuel efficiency and endurance.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of sensors coupled to the first aircraft for collecting measurements characterizing airflow near the first aircraft during close formation flight
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of methods and apparatus for close formation flight are provided herein. Methods of sensing three dimensional (3D) airflow by an aircraft are provided. Methods of searching for an airflow pattern are provided. Methods of vortex tracking by an aircraft are provided. Methods of operating aircraft for flight in a close formation are provided. Methods of operating aircraft in a close formation flight are provided. Methods of changing positions of at least two aircraft in a close formation flight are provided. Methods for establishing situational awareness during formation flight are provided. Methods for metric evaluation of a close formation between a leader aircraft and a follower aircraft are provided. Apparatus for close formation flight are provided. Air flow sensing systems are provided.